Services for HBS Faculty
Our one-on-one work with faculty includes the following activities:
Class Observation
Staff members are available to observe individual class sessions in support of teaching development. Observations are tailored to fit an individual instructor's needs: they may encompass high-level appraisals of the class or focus on specific elements such as call patterns, use of questions, transitions, board work, etc. The Center also offers the option of videotaping instructors via the classroom's AV system. Videotaping allows faculty members to experience their teaching and classroom dynamics from a student viewpoint. Taping is offered in conjunction with observations and as a stand-alone service.
Observations are typically accompanied by a pre-class planning session (see below) and post-observation debrief. In the debrief, the staff member and instructor reflect on the class and assess strengths and opportunities. Staff members provide actionable recommendations and work with instructors to create short- and long-term strategies tailored to individual teaching styles and goals.
Pre-Class Planning
Staff members are available to meet with instructors prior to class to discuss the teaching plan and relevant teaching issues. These "pre-briefs" focus on sharpening a class session's principal learning objectives, determining effective sequencing and timing, and identifying ways to engage students and spark discussion. Pre-briefs are offered in conjunction with class observations and as a stand-alone service.
Video Coaching
The Center houses a growing library of best practice coaching videos which feature a wide variety of HBS faculty members teaching in the classroom. Faculty may review these recordings online through our Coaching Video Sharesite, or meet with staff members one-on-one or in group sessions to review videos and discuss strategies for approaching a range of challenges in case method teaching.
Course Evaluation Analysis
Course evaluations offer a detailed look at how students perceive an instructor's classroom effectiveness. Staff members offer comprehensive assessments of student feedback, including analyses of qualitative and quantitative data. Our summaries identify patterns and trends related to an instructor's strengths and opportunities for improving teaching effectiveness.
Advice and Counsel
The Center's staff consults with HBS faculty in a broad range of areas including:
Pre-term planning: Advance preparation for teaching in the MBA and Exec Ed programs.
Within-term troubleshooting: Guidance regarding section and student dynamics, and support with any other aspect of classroom teaching.
Post-term reflection: Review of teaching performance and development of strategies for on-going improvement in teaching effectiveness.
Classroom presence coaching: Workshops and one-on-one sessions focused on enhancing voice, communication, and other presentation skills.
Case and course development: High level guidance for approaching the development of cases, teaching notes, modules, and courses.